Gerald Anderson says his MMK role is a big challenge

BY JOAN LEARY

In a press conference held inside the ABS-CBN compound on December 10, actor Gerald Anderson said that his role in the drama anthology Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK) that will be shown this Saturday, December 12, is challenging for him because he will be portraying the role of Bert, a gay elementary teacher that was diagnosed with X-linked Dystonia Parkinsonism (XDP) at the age of 33.

He shared that before shooting for the episode he was able to meet Bert in his house and had a talkwith him. Gerald described Bert as a very positive person despite his illness. Bert never had a boyfriend for his focus was purely on his family.

Gerald then told the press that his portrayal in the now defunct series Budoy is different in his character in MMK.

In Gerald’s previous interviews, he stated that his plan was to clear out his December schedule to make time for a vacation with his family but this MMK role was an exception. He then explained why he said “yes” to this project.

This episode also aims is to raise awareness for the XDP or also known as Lubag Syndrome. During the press conference, it was announced that there will be a fundraising for the Lubag Syndrome patients and Bert will be the face of the said movement.

Gerald said that they wanted to help remove the stigma for the patients. Based on scientific research, Filipino men are more prone to this illness and the symptoms usually show when they are 30 years old and up. It is also hereditary and as of the moment there is still no cure for this illness.